Harnessing Generative Ai in Medical and Health Sciences Academia: Strategic Opportunities and Ethical Dilemmas for Malaysia

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education and research across the medical and health sciences academia sectors. In Malaysia, universities are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance teaching, improve research productivity, and foster student engagement. From simulating patient scenarios to automating systematic reviews, AI’s potential is vast. Yet, this digital transformation is unfolding within a critical policy vacuum, particularly in the context of health education, raising urgent ethical, pedagogical, and discipline-specific concerns. While AI comprises various technologies, this editorial focuses specifically on generative AI (GenAI) tools that can produce human-like text, images, or analyses. As with any disruptive technology, GenAI represents a double-edged sword: its benefits are substantial, but so are the associated risks. This editorial explores these dualities within Malaysia’s healthcare academic landscape and proposes a path forward rooted in ethical integration and professional accountability.